ScottRhoades.com

Scott Rhoades

is a freelance writer based
in Utah.

"And, by the way... you're
a hell of a good writer, yourself."
--Ray Orrock, Columnist
Alameda Newspaper Group
(Scott's first writing hero)

Links

Writing: Reviews

The Loom of Fate

Together with his best friend, Desmond, Benjamin "Banjo" Northgate is about to embark on a great adventure. One that has them visiting a long ago place where lived Vikings, dragons, witches, trolls, ogres, and other worldly creatures. More over, their journey includes recovering a stolen Norn object. Can two young boys take on a fate meant for a grown man?

The Loom of Fate is a splendid coming of age story about a pre-teen boy who begins a journey into manhood. Always the object of 'short' jokes from his peers, Banjo has self-esteem issues. He never believes himself capable of many things and one such belief is his lack of attracting the attention of girls; unlike his friend Desmond who has them clamoring around him.

After school the two boys stop by Mr. Swenson’s museum and artifact shop. As Banjo tells of his book report on Vikings, Mr. Swenson regales the boys about his Icelandic heritage and his love of researching the Norse people. Mr. Swenson sends the boys to the shop’s attic and rummage through his artifacts. There Desmond discovers an envelope that warns, "Magic Viking ring. WARNING!!! Do not wear!" Only encouraged by the warning, Desmond puts the ring on transporting the two boys back in time -- to Iceland’s Vikings days.

Unable to communicate with the Icelanders, the boys are dragged to a cave where Banjo and Desmond discover the dragon, Orm slumbering. While in the dragon’s lair Banjo spots a beautiful sword and proceeds to take it but awakens Orm. With the dragon in pursuit and fearing for his life, Banjo accidentally slays the dragon; exalting himself as a hero among the villagers. During Banjo’s hero celebration the boys learn Mr. Swenson’s hailing from Vikings is indeed true. Standing before the two boys, Mr. Swenson informs Banjo that his destiny is to retrieve the stolen Norn’s object, the Loom of Fate, or the world will plunge into chaos. As a result the boys can’t return home until the task’s completed.

The boys’ experiences are intense and amusing. A friend of Mr. Swenson allows his daughter, Frida to accompany Banjo and Desmond. Having grown up with the myths and legends of her era Frida skillfully deals with the witch, trolls and ogres that block their path. But as they face Garm the demon dog of Hel, Frida’s fear of big dogs has her giving leadership to Banjo. As the obstacles become more frequent and tougher, Desmond’s courage waivers but his companions rally around him. Banjo’s growing courage and self belief has him accomplishing feats with cunning and ease.

Banjo and Desmond also learn of many Icelandic customs, like tying "Hel shoes" on their dead warrior’s feet, so they may walk to Valholl; Norse God, Odin’s hall for slain warriors. I chuckled when the boys ate shark that was fermented in the ground for months before serving, and then roared with laughter as "hrutspungar" (pressed rams testicles) had the boys going weak in the knees.

A captivating and entertaining story with a genuine plot and endearing characters. I hope Mr. Rhoades finds a publisher soon, because young adults are missing out on a wonderful story.

Pamela aka PJ
"Chewing the Bone" reviews